MOTORIST CHARGED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 48, Issue 92, 28 January 1928, Page 6

MOTORIST CHARGED

NEGLIGENT DRIVING. TAXI DRIVER FINED £3. The case in which Francis John Fussell, taxi proprietor, was charged with having driven a motor-car at a speed dangerous to the public, was concluded, in the Magistrate’s Court before Mr C. R. Orr Walker, S.M., alter the Guardian went to press yesterday afternoon. „ , , John Edward Fussell,- brother of defendant, wh was in the car at the time, said the night was hazy. He corroborated the evidence given by defendant. Further evidence was given by James Hooper, who was in tlie car, and James Hubert Knight, who rode on a bicycle close behind the car. The latter thought the rough state of the street was the cause of the long skid. Recalled, Constable Ward said that Brown, Hooper, Jackson, and defendant were present when lie stepped over the skid marks. The Magistrate said there was a conflict regarding the skid length, but even if the skid was only 11 yards it allowed gross negligence on the part ot defendant, who should have been able to pull up after first seeing the cycles, a chain away. Defendant was fined £3 and costs 14s, and i witnesses expenses £l. The Magistrate pointed out the dancrev run by cvclists who do not have red reflectors at the rear of their cycles, but that did not clear motorists or responsibility.